Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick and Easy!)

This post may contain affiliate links, which help keep this content free. (full disclosure)

this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe So many amazing flavors combined in one bowl with feta! Quinoa Chickpea Salad Has simple ingredients and similar taste Chopped Mediterranean Salad, but with satisfying quinoa.plate with it bake meat, vegetables and Greek tzatziki sauce Enjoy a fresh and easy meal with just a few minutes of hands-on preparation.

Quinoa Salad Ingredients

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for a Mediterranean or Greek quinoa salad, what each ingredient does in the recipe, and substitution options. See recipe card below for measurements.

Quinoa Chickpea Salad:

• Quinoa – I used white quinoa, but you can use any variety of quinoa you like.
• diced vegetables – I used red bell peppers and cucumbers, but see below for other ideas.
• chickpeas – Use canned chickpeas, rinse and drain. This is the most convenient option, but you can also cook it yourself.
• fresh parsley – You can also substitute it with other fresh herbs, such as fresh basil. Cilantro is also common in quinoa salads, but it doesn’t quite go with the Mediterranean vibe of the dish.
• goat cheese – Add a strong Mediterranean flavor. You can omit it if you need to avoid dairy or want a vegan version.
• green olives – Optional. The saltiness of the olives adds another layer of flavor to this delicious salad.
• shallots – Optional. They add a subtle crunch to this quinoa salad recipe. Chopped white or red onions can be used as a substitute.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Dressing:

• olive oil – Use the highest quality extra virgin olive oil possible. Avocado oil will work too, but olive oil works best with other flavors in salads.
• lemon juice – Freshly squeezed juices taste best in this cold quinoa salad with feta, but you can use bottled lemon juice if you need. You could also use lime juice instead, but the lemon juice flavor works better in this recipe.
• white wine vinegar – You can also use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
• Dijon mustard – Add flavor and emulsify seasonings.
• sea ​​salt and black pepper

How to Make Quinoa Salad

This section shows how to make a Quinoa Mediterranean Salad, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. See the recipe card below for full instructions.

1. Cook quinoa. Put the quinoa in fine mesh filter Rinse for about a minute.transfer to small pan and add water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, rest, and fluff with a fork.

Tip: Should You Rinse Quinoa?

While some quinoa brands are pre-rinsed, this step ensures that the cooked quinoa doesn’t become bitter or “spoiled” in any way.

2. gather. Place cooked quinoa, bell peppers, cucumbers, chickpeas, parsley, feta, green olives (if using), and shallots (if using) in a large bowl.
3. Make dressings. In a small bowl whisk together all seasonings – olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, sea salt and black pepper.

4. toss. Pour dressing over quinoa salad and toss to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.

Variety

• Add or replace vegetables – Try this salad with cherry tomatoes or bell peppers of different colors, or replace the shallots with red onions and fresh garlic.
• change chickpeas – Try substituting cooked lentils, cannellini beans or even black beans for them.
• exchange olives – Use Kalamata, black or capers instead of green olives.
• add vegetables – Serve the salad over fresh spinach or kale, or cook the vegetables and toss them directly into the salad.

Storage Instructions

Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy the cold – no need to reheat!

Can you freeze quinoa salad?

Quinoa salad recipes don’t freeze well because other included ingredients can alter the texture. However, you can freeze any leftover regular quinoa for up to 3 months.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Pair this salad with your favorite pure protein, or add extra flavor with these easy dishes:

More Mediterranean Salad Recipes

Salads don’t need lettuce to taste good! Next try these fresh, easy, and delicious foods that are perfect for a Mediterranean meal:

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick and Easy!)

Make the BEST Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe in Minutes! Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Feta is a delicious, easy side dish.

Prepare: 15 minute

chef: 10 minute

All: 25 minute

Serving Size: 8 (Adjust the scale recipe)

raw material

Click on the underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn off Safari reader mode to view ingredients.

instruct

Tap the time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while cooking.

1. Put the quinoa in fine mesh sieve and run cold water on it for about a minute.

2. Transfer the quinoa to small pan. Add 1/2 cup (118 ml) water.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until 10-15 minutesuntil the quinoa has absorbed all the water.

3. Remove from heat source.Cover and rest 5 minutesthen fluff the quinoa with a fork.

4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, bell peppers, cucumbers, chickpeas, parsley, feta, green olives (if using), and shallots (if using).

5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper.

6. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. If needed, adjust salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve immediately, or preferably refrigerate if you have time 1 hour Let the flavor develop.

Readers who liked this easy recipe also made:

recipe notes

Serving Size: 1 cup

nutrient content

Amount per serving. Serving Sizes in Recipe Instructions Above.

Calories 194

fat 12 grams

protein 5 grams

total carbohydrates 18 grams

net carbs 15 grams

fiber 3g

sugar 2 grams

Nutrition Facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about the calculation or why you get different results?see our nutrition policy.

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please do not screenshot or copy/paste recipes to social media or websites. We want you to share the link with the photo. 🙂